Thornhill MPP participates in call to reduce illegal tobacco to 10%

September 24, 2010

Shurman Lends Support to Local Convenience Store Owner in Fight Against Illegal Tobacco

Thornhill MPP participates in call to reduce illegal tobacco to 10%

(Thornhill) – Thornhill MPP and PC Critic for Economic Development and Trade, Peter Shurman was pleased to join Nader (Nick) Daliri, owner of Ocean Variety & Magazines convenience store to sign a pledge in support of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association’s campaign against contraband tobacco.

“We know that almost half of all cigarettes are consumed in Ontario are coming from the illegal tobacco market.  It’s killing the businesses of hard-working convenience store owners.  Untested and unregulated, illegal cigarettes are ending up in the hands of our youth.  I have been told by law enforcement officials that the profits from illegal cigarettes are the bread and butter of organized crime,” Shurman said.

Earlier this year the Canadian Convenience Store Association launched their campaign calling on the federal government to act to reduce the level of contraband tobacco to 10% by the end of 2010.  In May of this year, Peter Shurman joined representatives of the Ontario Convenience Store Association and the Ontario Korean Businessmen’s Association to highlight the impact that the HST would have in increasing the illegal cigarette market in Ontario.

“I am pleased to support Nick and all Thornhill convenience store owners in their fight to combat the illegal tobacco trade.  It’s about protecting small businesses, the health of our youth and the safety of our communities.  Illegal tobacco is a blight that can no longer be ignored by federal and provincial governments,” stated Peter Shurman.

-30-